Weymouth's charter boat industry to receive no support during coronavirus pandemic

WEYMOUTH and Portland's charter boat industry is calling on chancellor Rishi Sunak for support amid fears the industry is on the brink of collapse.

Charter boats offer activities such as angling, diving and sightseeing, accounting for roughly half of the area's marine industry income.

An economic report seen by the Echo states that the charter boat industry is worth £2 million annually to Weymouth and Portland, which includes the indirect value the sector brings to other tourism businesses in the area.

Whilst the commercial fishing industry has been promised government help in the form of grants, a majority of charter boat owners operate as limited companies, and the businesses do not occupy a premises, which means they are not eligible for any of the coronavirus support packages unveiled so far.

On top of this operators with boats berthed at Weymouth Harbour must still pay fees to Dorset Council, although some businesses are reportedly being considered for deferred payments.

Lyle Stantiford, who is secretary of the Professional Boatman’s Association, said Weymouth has one of the most popular angling charter fleets in the UK - but with overheads of between £5,000 - £20,000 per year, businesses will not stay afloat.

The Association wrote to the chancellor at the beginning of this month calling for help but is yet to receive a reply.

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